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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 19 of 19. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Miss Honeychurch on January 18, 2004, at 7:32:48
I am interested to know if there are other people out there as hypochondriacal as I when their anxiety is high. Do you have any physical symptoms? Mine include:
tingling in hands and feet
twitching
feelings of "weakness" on one side of my body
trembling
racing heart
lack of coordination
stutteringIf you do get physical symptoms, do you have any special way of lessening them (as in relaxation techniques?)
Posted by gardenergirl on January 18, 2004, at 22:52:55
In reply to Physical symptoms of anxiety, posted by Miss Honeychurch on January 18, 2004, at 7:32:48
I wish I could help. My anxiety is really unconscious. What I notice is more behavioral things. But I do tend to get physical symptoms as a result of depression. I would often get headaches, nearly everyday. I also would feel extremely fatigued and sleep a great deal. Also, general aches and pains. I've noticed since I finally got on the right AD, these symptoms have all but disappeared.
From what I understand, however, symptoms such as yours can respond well to relaxation techniques. I've been told it's physically impossible to have a physiological anxiety response if you are relaxed. So, it seems worth a try.
Take care,
gg
Posted by Karen_kay on January 19, 2004, at 11:20:44
In reply to Physical symptoms of anxiety, posted by Miss Honeychurch on January 18, 2004, at 7:32:48
And it seems we both have problems with anxiety? My physical symptoms are as follows:
Jaw clenching
*to help remedy this I smoke, chew gum endlessly, suck my thumb and use a pacifierMy whole body shakes or trembles, much like I'm cold but it can be 95 degrees outside.
*I still don't know how to stop thisChewing my nails
*Now I get my nails done, so I tap them often and sharpen them against eachother. Call me Catwoman?Pacing
*Sometimes I pace with a book, so that helps to calm me down eventually enough to sit down and read rather than walk in circles.**I find distraction to be the best source of helping with my anxiety. Cleaning my house does the trick for me. Since I seem to have quite a bit of energy I try to put it to use. Or, I come on here and post, that helps calm me down. Also taking a nerve pill helps. As for deep breathing or anything I learned through CBT, uh---NOPE. I'm back to my old habits. But, my anxiety has lessened quite a bit since starting therapy.
I did learn deep breathing exercises, where you focus on your breathing. It may help you when you are feeling anxious. Just focus on your breathing. I think you breathe in for 3 seconds and exhale for 2. I'm not sure. Faulty memory gets me everytime....
Posted by Penny on January 20, 2004, at 9:52:25
In reply to Physical symptoms of anxiety, posted by Miss Honeychurch on January 18, 2004, at 7:32:48
My thoughts - yoga?
I do the shaking thing pretty bad when I'm anxious, as well as a racing heart, and I tend to get tension headaches. It's extremely hard for me to relax - in fact, the only time I've ever felt truly relaxed was after my first full-body massage. Mind you, the second and third ones I had weren't nearly as effective. But that first one made me feel limp.
But yoga does pretty good with teaching people how to relax. I've never found deep breathing by itself to be all that helpful, but I think combined with physical movement it is helpful. Perhaps it is because you are so focused on getting the poses right and breathing properly that you literally are unable to think of anything else.
When all else fails, I like hydroxyzine. Though that's a prescription.
P
Posted by Miss Honeychurch on January 20, 2004, at 15:36:03
In reply to Re: Physical symptoms of anxiety » Miss Honeychurch, posted by Penny on January 20, 2004, at 9:52:25
I have tried yoga and I couldn't get over everyone passing gas during class so I had to quit!
Posted by Penny on January 21, 2004, at 8:59:56
In reply to Re: Physical symptoms of anxiety » Penny, posted by Miss Honeychurch on January 20, 2004, at 15:36:03
> I have tried yoga and I couldn't get over everyone passing gas during class so I had to quit!
LOL!
All the more reason to get a video and do it alone, at home! I like the videos from Gaiam (http://www.gaiam.com).
BTW - my T talked to me last night about some relaxation/visualization exercises that I guess I'm going to try. If I have any luck, I'll let you know.
P
Posted by Miss Honeychurch on January 21, 2004, at 12:32:46
In reply to Re: Physical symptoms of anxiety » Miss Honeychurch, posted by Penny on January 21, 2004, at 8:59:56
Great! I would appreciate any tips!
Posted by Lllucy on January 21, 2004, at 12:48:47
In reply to Physical symptoms of anxiety, posted by Miss Honeychurch on January 18, 2004, at 7:32:48
You are not alone!
When I'm experiencing low level anxiety all my muscles get very tight (especially stomach and neck/shoulders) and I feel cold. When I'm cold AND have sweaty hands and armpits I know it's escalating. I'll get frequent uncomfortable rushes of excess energy but feel weak and depleted at the same time. At it's worst, anxiety makes me very nauseous and I'm literally unable to eat - not just lack of appetite, but aversion to swallowing any food. And my thoughts go in circles and I can't make decisions: should I take a shower first and then make a phone call? Or should I make that phone call first, then have breakfast? I can spend all morning trying to take some action.
I just joined a gym with the intention to cultivate a regular exercise routine. When at my most desperate I've found that exercise seems to help a bit, but I have had a hard time staying consistent.
Sorry I don't have more tips and suggestions for you...I could use some myself, obviously! Take care,
Lucy
Posted by vicksnow on January 24, 2004, at 8:50:12
In reply to Re: Physical symptoms of anxiety » Miss Honeychurch, posted by Lllucy on January 21, 2004, at 12:48:47
ive been suffering lots of anxiety lately. my symptoms are racing heart, and stammering and stuttering my words. it is so embarassing when i deal with people i do not know.i'm afraid they will laugh at me or look at me like i'm inferior or what the hell is wrong with her. Would buspar help with this? how can i calm down when i am dealing with people i do not know.
Posted by Fallen4myT on January 24, 2004, at 19:59:24
In reply to Re: Physical symptoms of anxiety (nm), posted by Fallen4myT on January 24, 2004, at 19:52:25
sorry I don't know what I did wrong but no message showed up..this is my last shot at it as I really am getting anxious over this
Hi Vicky this may sound or even BE stupid but I even get panic attacks at times and am out a lot thus I meet a lot of people I do not know...I find it best to try to breath and release my muscles...keep in mind wirh me shallow breaths lead to dizzy and increased heart rate then fear of death and so on....anyhowI tell them IF I cannot get rid of it I say..excuse me I am sorry I am starting to have an anxiety attack..you would be surprised by how often I hear oh thats ok dear I ger them too and its no big deal. Its worth a try till you get the right meds or try the right relaxation techniques..Good luck
Posted by Lllucy on January 24, 2004, at 23:32:58
In reply to Re: Physical symptoms of anxiety, posted by Fallen4myT on January 24, 2004, at 19:59:24
Wow Fallen,
Thank you for that suggestion, I don't think it ever even occurred to me. If I'm around someone I know and trust and who I've already talked to about my struggles with anxiety I feel OK saying something, but otherwise it has always felt shameful to feel so out of control. I've always felt as though it would be AWFUL if anyone could tell and that it was really really important to hide. And that's isolating, which probably contributes to my anxiety.
I'm not sure I will actually try it but what good food for thought for me...
Lucy
Posted by Fallen4myT on January 25, 2004, at 0:06:28
In reply to Re: Physical symptoms of anxiety » Fallen4myT, posted by Lllucy on January 24, 2004, at 23:32:58
You're welcome Lucy I have found if I start with say a sales lady or cashier...they are people I won't see much but that breaks the ice FOR ME :) AND makes it easier to do with others. I mean I had a pet sitter for almost a year and I one day while going over instructions started to lose it..I just looked at her and said I am sorry I suffer anxiety and think I am gonna freak ..(lol really)...turns out her boyfriend is on Paxil for anxiety and it was all cool...odd world ya never know I could be the stranger you run into and NOBODY could understand anxiety and panic more than me. Good luck and yes it is liberating
Posted by Lllucy on January 25, 2004, at 1:56:21
In reply to Re: Physical symptoms of anxiety, posted by Fallen4myT on January 25, 2004, at 0:06:28
LOL! Yes that's a funny thought that the person I risk saying something to could very well be you (or one of the countless other people who would, actually, understand)!
;~) thanks again
Posted by AreMedsGood on January 26, 2004, at 10:34:23
In reply to Re: Physical symptoms of anxiety » Fallen4myT, posted by Lllucy on January 25, 2004, at 1:56:21
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Posted by Dr. Bob on January 27, 2004, at 0:12:25
In reply to LOW CAR INSURANCE $50 CASH CALL NOW SAVE, posted by AreMedsGood on January 26, 2004, at 10:34:23
> LOW PREMIUMS, EXCELLENT CUSTOMER CARE ONLY AT xxx
This is a message board for mutual support and education. Please, no spam.
Bob
Posted by Vera on January 27, 2004, at 15:07:34
In reply to Physical symptoms of anxiety, posted by Miss Honeychurch on January 18, 2004, at 7:32:48
Hi
Just saw your post and you have described classic symptoms of anxiety attacks. Sure, relaxation techniques could help, but if they don't, and you suffer these attacks often, then BuSpar could definitely help. I was on it a couple of years ago and it was amazingly helpful. Since then,
I was diagnosed with depression, too, so I now take something else, or I'd want to go on it again. Anyway, it may be something for you to try, as no one should suffer from all these anxiety symptoms when there are meds (some short-term, some long-term) out there to help.
Good luck to you!
Posted by AreMedsGood on January 28, 2004, at 7:03:46
In reply to Re: please, no spam » AreMedsGood, posted by Dr. Bob on January 27, 2004, at 0:12:25
OK No More
Posted by Dr. Bob on January 28, 2004, at 19:03:26
In reply to Re: please, no spam, posted by AreMedsGood on January 28, 2004, at 7:03:46
Posted by Nanter1 on February 10, 2004, at 13:32:15
In reply to Physical symptoms of anxiety, posted by Miss Honeychurch on January 18, 2004, at 7:32:48
> I am interested to know if there are other people out there as hypochondriacal as I when their anxiety is high. Do you have any physical symptoms? Mine include:
>
> tingling in hands and feet
> twitching
> feelings of "weakness" on one side of my body
> trembling
> racing heart
> lack of coordination
> stuttering
>
> If you do get physical symptoms, do you have any special way of lessening them (as in relaxation techniques?)That set of symptoms looks very similar to what I experienced when taking SSRIs. Are you taking an antidepressant?
This is the end of the thread.
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